Phang Nga Bay (Ao Phang Nga) is the shallow, jade-green bay between Phuket and the Krabi mainland, where well over a hundred limestone islands rise almost vertically from the water. Much of it is protected as Ao Phang Nga National Park, and because the bay is sheltered, boats run here all year.
Many of the islands are hollow. Sea caves lead into hongs — the Thai word for “rooms” — collapsed cave systems open to the sky, with mangroves and still water inside. Paddling into them by canoe at the right tide is the bay’s great experience; the famous rock from The Man with the Golden Gun is its great photograph.
Top things to do: Phang Nga Bay
James Bond Island
Khao Phing Kan and the 20-metre needle of Ko Tapu just offshore have been known as James Bond Island since the 1974 film. It is small and busy from mid-morning; boats cannot approach Ko Tapu itself, so you view it from the beach. Early or late visits are far more pleasant.
Sea-cave canoeing
At Koh Panak and Koh Hong, guides paddle inflatable canoes through low caves into the hidden lagoons — at some tides you lie flat to pass under the rock. Evening trips add bioluminescent plankton after dark.
Koh Panyee
A Muslim fishing village of a few hundred families built almost entirely on stilts beside a limestone cliff, with a mosque, a school and a floating football pitch. Most tours stop for a seafood lunch; walk beyond the restaurants to see the village itself.
Samet Nangshe viewpoint
On the mainland shore, this hilltop looks out over the whole field of islands and is at its best at sunrise. It is reached by road from Phuket or Khao Lak rather than by boat.
How to get to Phang Nga Bay
- From Phuket: most tours leave from Ao Por or Royal Phuket Marina on the east coast, with hotel transfers included.
- From Khao Lak or Krabi: tours start from piers near Phang Nga town and use longtail boats through the mangrove channels.
- From Koh Yao: the islands sit in the middle of the bay, so private longtails reach the hongs before the day boats arrive.
Insider tips
- A national park fee (around 300 baht for foreign adults) applies; check whether your tour price includes it.
- Canoeing depends on the tide, so itineraries change order from day to day. That is normal.
- Bring a dry bag, and keep phones on a lanyard inside the caves.
Best tours & tickets for Phang Nga Bay
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Phang Nga Bay:
Boat tour with canoeing from €60 Phuket: 7 Wonders of Phang Nga Bay 6-Islands Tour
A full sweep of Phang Nga Bay in one day: the limestone needle made famous by a Bond film, paddled canoes into hidden lagoons and a swim stop on Koh Yao Yai. Rated 4.8 by well over two thousand travellers.
- James Bond Island and Koh Panak
- Sea-cave canoeing at Koh Hong
- Beach time on Koh Yao Yai
Afternoon-to-evening canoe trip from €116 Phuket: Phang Nga Bay Bioluminescent Plankton and Sea Canoes
An afternoon departure that reaches the caves as the day boats leave, then waits for nightfall to paddle through bioluminescent water. Rated 4.8 by more than two and a half thousand travellers.
- Guided canoes through sea caves into hidden lagoons
- Stay after dark to see glowing plankton
- Dinner on board
Premium cruise from €138 Phuket: James Bond Island Luxury Sunset Cruise
Phang Nga Bay at a gentler pace, on a spacious cruiser rather than a speedboat, timed to finish with dinner as the sun goes down. Rated 4.9 by nearly two thousand guests.
- Large, comfortable boat with day beds and a bar
- James Bond Island and canoeing
- Dinner on board at sunset
Longtail boat tour from €65 Khao Lak: Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island by Longtail Boat
Khao Lak is closer to the northern end of Phang Nga Bay than Phuket’s beaches are, and this tour uses a longtail rather than a big boat. Rated 4.7 by more than two thousand travellers.
- Traditional longtail through the mangroves and karst
- James Bond Island
- Suwan Khuha cave temple
